Islamabad — After months of uncertainty and delays, Majlis Wahdat‑e‑Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas has officially been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan’s Senate, ending a prolonged leadership vacuum in the upper house of Parliament. The decision was formalised through a notification issued by the Senate Secretariat under sub‑rule (3) of Rule 16 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, 2012.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani announced the appointment, effective immediately, following procedural and legal considerations that had held up the process since August 2025, when the position became vacant after the disqualification of former opposition leader Shibli Faraz in connection with the May 9, 2023, unrest cases.
Raja Nasir Abbas, who was nominated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in October last year, secured support from a majority of opposition senators, reportedly receiving 22 out of 32 votes. This majority confirmed his mandate to lead the opposition benches and represent dissenting voices in the upper house.
In his first address as opposition leader, Senator Abbas thanked his colleagues and credited PTI chairman Imran Khan for his guidance and political support. He pledged to uphold the Constitution, strengthen the rule of law, and ensure Parliament plays an active role in addressing the challenges faced by the people of Pakistan.
Abbas emphasised the importance of accountability, governance reforms, and democratic oversight, highlighting pressing issues such as political instability, judicial delays, and public trust in state institutions. He also called for the release of political prisoners and urged a united approach to restore credibility to Pakistan’s democratic processes.
The appointment of Raja Nasir Abbas completes a critical piece of the political puzzle in Islamabad, following the recent selection of Mehmood Khan Achakzai as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. Analysts say the move strengthens the opposition’s institutional representation, providing them with a more organised platform to challenge and scrutinise government policies in the Senate.
Observers note that the decision also reflects PTI’s strategic intent to consolidate opposition leadership ahead of upcoming legislative sessions, signalling a renewed focus on parliamentary engagement and political accountability at the federal level.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.